For once, Will Day feeling like he'd been hit by a truck was a good thing for Hawthorn.
The injury-plagued star midfielder came through his first game of the season without any problems, boosting hopes that he will finally return to the AFL against St Kilda on Friday night at Marvel Stadium.
Day, one of Hawthorn's most important players, is yet to play senior football this season because of a dislocated shoulder. He was also restricted to six AFL games last season because of injury.
The 24-year-old returned through Box Hill in the VFL last week, delighting the Hawks.
"He's on the way back, so what we do with him from a management point of view, he's excited to be back playing footy," coach Sam Mitchell said ahead of Wednesday night selection.